The dental profession is always changing, and this year was no different. Here are the Top 10 News Stories of 2016 based on traffic at dentistrytoday.com.
Survey Ranks World’s Best Dental Schools
This year’s Quacquarelli Symonds survey included 15 US schools among its top 50 programs in the world.
California Bill Opens Funds for Student Loan Repayment Program
Total debt for today’s grads averages $255,567. Now, California offers relief to students who agree to work where dentists are needed the most.
Nasal Spray Dental Anesthetic Gets FDA Approval
The Kovanaze spray from St. Renatus delivers pulpal anesthesia to prevent pain during restorative procedures, with no needle necessary.
Abnormal Salivary Glands Linked to Dental Problems in Cleft Lip and Palate Patients
The saliva of some patients with cleft lip and palate has a different composition, impeding its ability to fight tooth decay.
Smoking Alters the Mouth’s Microbiome
More than 150 bacterial species showed growth in the mouths of smokers, while 70 other species showed sharp decreases in growth, significantly influencing tooth decay.
Breaches Lead to 15 Infections and One Death at NJ Practice
Patients receiving intravenous sedation during oral surgery came down with Enterococcus faecalis endocarditis, prompting action from the New Jersey Department of Health.
Pancreatic Cancer Risk Linked to Specific Oral Bacteria
Changes in the microbial mix in the mouth represent a likely risk factor for pancreatic cancer, which kills more than 41,000 Americans each year.
Despite Staining, Coffee Strengthens Teeth
Coffee prevents bone loss in the jaw. Plus, green coffee’s antibacterial properties may help protect the gums.
Amalgam Fillings May Raise Mercury Levels in the Body
Subjects in a recent study with more than 8 fillings had about 150% more mercury in their blood than those with no fillings.
More Evidence Links Alzheimer’s to Periodontitis
Researchers associate periodontitis with an increase in cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s disease, possibly via mechanisms linked to the body’s inflammatory response.
